How to Ship to Germany from the USA

International shipping encompasses a lot of intricacies that everyone needs to learn before they send a parcel abroad. When it comes to Germany which boasts one of the best e-commerce markets in Europe, the country presents amazing opportunities for U.S. businesses. However, even if you are an individual wondering how to ship to Germany from the USA, you have to understand the logistics and regulations involved in European package standards.

In this guide, we will go through every step you should take when sending a parcel from the United States to Germany.

Understanding Shipping Options

When searching “how much is shipping to Germany from the USA”, you will stumble upon different delivery options. The option you choose will not only influence the price, though. The delivery speed and convenience also depend on the method.

In general, delivery by air is the most expensive, but it takes the least time. One parcel will take up to 14 days to get to Germany, which is perfect for time-sensitive priority mail. If timing is not crucial, you can choose sea shipping. It is a lot more affordable and takes up to 5 weeks. Businesses will find this method the most suitable, as it works well with bulk shipments.

The price of shipping will be calculated depending on the package weight and dimensions as well. Big, heavy packages are more expensive. Selecting a good delivery service like Meest can minimize the cost of US-Germany delivery.

Packaging Guidelines

Your package will spend more time in international delivery than domestic and will encounter more severity. So, make sure the box you choose is sturdy enough to withstand transportation, including air and sea.

For some items, it’s better to use a proper crate rather than a simple box. Fragile items should be packaged in bubble wrap and packed with peanuts. Then, the box should be wrapped in packing tape with no gaps showing. Avoid putting small items in big boxes. Unused space inside will only make the delivery costs higher and can damage the goods. For sea shipments, prepare waterproof packaging.

Label the box properly on top. There should be the sender’s and recipient’s:

complete addresses;
postal codes;
names;
phone numbers.

This information will ensure that the package can be delivered to the recipient without any issues. If they ask for a return due to damages or dissatisfaction with the item, the sender’s data will be used to mail the parcel back. Meest can arrange the return within 24 hours after receiving the request from the recipient.

In addition to the correct label, you should fill out the customs declarations and other essential paperwork. Individual clients and businesses have to prepare different papers for international import compliance. We will cover the topic of documentation next.

Customs Documentation and Regulations

Shipping items to Germany from the US requires various papers and forms. Individual customers who wonder “how much does it cost to ship to Germany from the US” have to check all papers properly, or the cost will rise due to fines. On the Meest website, you can fill out the forms online without printing them out. That includes the customs declaration forms that describe the content of the parcel and its value.

Commercial clients also have to include the invoices with transaction details with the recipient. Certain goods call for a certificate of origin, which documents where it was manufactured. Just like other European countries, Germany prohibits certain items from import, such as:

weapons and explosives;
counterfeit items;
certain chemicals;
prescription medicine;
items that violate intellectual property laws.

It is best to consult the customs representatives to receive the full up-to-date list of restricted items and check if your parcel can enter the country.

Be aware that the recipient is responsible for paying all taxes and duties on the parcel. In general, German Value-Added Tax (VAT) ranges from 7% to 19% of the item value. The cost will depend on the type of product. Additionally, the recipient might have to pay customs duties. The price will be based on the item classification under the Harmonized System (HS) code.

Navigating German Customs

Understanding German customs is a huge part of every “how to send a package to Germany from the USA” for a reason - there are many documents involved in the process. Once the customs reviews the declaration and invoice, and verifies the items in the parcel, the representatives will calculate the VAT and duties to be paid. Sometimes, the boxes have to be opened and inspected physically.

Not all parcels pass the customs. One of the most common issues is inaccurately filled out paperwork or missing information. If some forms are not completed correctly, you might be fined, and the delivery will be delayed. In case your goods are expensive, and the value does not match, the same issue can occur. Providing accurate information is the solution to this problem.

Tracking and Delivery

Once your parcel goes through customs and is allowed in Germany, the delivery will continue. Meest offers an efficient tracking system, where you can check your package location in real time. Just go to the tracking webpage, input the number of your package, and you will see how long it will take to reach the destination.

Meest also partners with local German carriers to ensure that your shipping comes fast and in one piece. Last-mile delivery requires a signature from the recipient, which will mark the confirmation of receipt - a standard practice among courier services. If applicable, the recipient will also have to pay customs and VAT so the package gets released for domestic delivery.

As a sender, it is your responsibility to inform the recipient about providing correct information, possible charges, and a final signature upon delivery. Without the correct name and address, VAT paid at customs, and a signed receipt, the package will have to be returned to the sender.

Sometimes, the recipient is not available to get the parcel. Then, Meest’s local carriers offer the second delivery option. It can be sent to the same address or a different one - for example, the recipient’s work location - when it is convenient for them. So, when you research how to send a package to Germany from the US, note that this is an option.

Why Choose Meest for Shipping to Germany?

Regardless of your goal - sending items to your customers as an e-commerce shop or a simple gift to your family abroad - Meest is a reputable and reliable option that can meet it. It has a lot of experience shipping from the USA worldwide, including Germany. With over 500 shipping outlets in the US, you will be able to send a parcel to the destination from anywhere.

You can also choose several shipping options depending on your needs. For instance, shipping by air is very fast - perfect for urgent packages. Shipping by sea, on the other hand, is extremely cost-effective. With Meest, you can take advantage of the courier services, where the representative gets the parcel straight to the recipient’s door.

Through the company’s online portal, you can register your shipments in advance. Then, once it is at Meest, you can track the parcel until it is delivered. It’s also very convenient to use the calculator to get an estimate of the shipment costs. If anything goes wrong, you can contact Meest’s customer support and receive help right away. Other benefits of the service are:

affordable and competitive rates, with air shipping priced at $3.44 per pound and sea shipping at $1.55 per pound;
insurance of every parcel up to $60 and additional insurance for more valuable items;
package consolidation option for cost-efficiency;
regular discounts and bonuses.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to Meest and calculate how much money you can save with the service’s competitive rates and flexible postage options.

Additional Tips

Insurance is essential for valuable and fragile items, such as electronics. Replacing or repairing such items can be extremely expensive, especially if you operate as a store.

While Meest proposes complimentary insurance for all packages up to $60 in value, everything exceeding that can be additionally safeguarded from damage and loss. It will cost 5% of the insured value and will give you peace of mind as you manage your e-commerce.

Before sending anything, communicate with your clients to make sure that all address details, postal codes, and contact numbers on the label are correct. The accuracy will help Meest deliver the packages on time.

Once you send out the packages, you can keep all recipients informed about their statuses by sharing the tracking numbers. They will be able to see where exactly the item is and how long it will take to get to the destination. Thanks to Meest providing clear information on the Germany customs regulations, you can also let them know how many customs duties or taxes they might need to pay before the parcel is released at customs.

By partnering with Meest for your personal or business shipments, you can provide the recipients with transparent information and clear delivery guidelines.